The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Vienna, together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, participated at the 47th edition of Ferien-Messe Wien, Austria’s leading international travel and tourism fair from 15-18 January 2026 in Vienna. As the Official Partner Country of the 2026 edition, Sri Lanka received prominent visibility throughout the event.
The Sri Lanka pavilion was ceremonially opened by the State Secretary (Deputy Minister) of Energy, Startups and Tourism of Austria, Elisabeth Zehetner, the Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Sampath Niroshana and the Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Vienna M. R. K. Lenagala, with the cutting of a ribbon, followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp to the sounds of trasditional Sri Lankan drums, marking a traditional beginning to the country’s showcase..
The 2026 edition of Ferien Messe Wien brought together exhibitors from around the world and attracted thousands of visitors seeking travel inspiration, cultural experiences, and global tourism offerings. Sri Lanka’s pavilion attracted a steady flow of visitors throughout the four-day event. Performances by a Sri Lankan traditional dancing troupe added vibrancy to the pavilion, drawing the attention of visitors and media. Live cooking demonstrations were conducted throughout the fair by the Sri Lankan-Austrian chef, Ruwan Fernando, offering visitors an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience. Promotional videos highlighting Sri Lanka as a destination for international filming were also screened continuously during the event.Visitors to the Sri Lanka pavilion were served Ceylon tea and a selection of Sri Lankan foods. With the participation of 22 leading travel and tour operators and hoteliers from Sri Lanka, the pavilion showcased the country’s diverse tourism offerings, strengthening Sri Lanka’s visibility in the Austrian and Central European travel market. Prior to the fair, the Embassy and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau participated in tourism roadshows, held in Graz and Vienna, which brought together travel agents and visitors in the lead-up to Ferien-Messe Wien..
Austria remains a key focus market for Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Board with sustained promotional activities carried out in recent years. Tourist arrivals from Austria to Sri Lanka have shown steady growth, approaching pre-pandemic levels.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Vienna
22 November 2026
